The 1-minute rule
Do you have a hard time completing all those small tasks? We can get some of those done pretty quickly... That's why we shouldn't leave them for another moment.
There's a simple rule that can help you get more done without adding more to your plate.
Gretchen Rubin's "one-minute rule" indicates that if a task can be completed in one minute or less, it should be done immediately.
Examples of what you can get done:
- Organize your desk
- Refill your water bottle
- Hang up your coat
- Read a letter and toss it
- Fill in a form
- Answer an email
- Note down a citation
- Pick up my phone messages
- File a paper
- Put a dish in the dishwasher
- Replenish the diaper supply by the changing table
- Put the magazines away
… and so on.
“Because the tasks are so quick, it isn’t too hard to make myself follow the rule — but it has big results. Keeping all those small, nagging tasks under control makes me more serene, less overwhelmed.”
The rule can also be helpful for establishing consistent, long-term habits, says the author.
Have you tried this rule before? Let me know what you think! And stay tuned for more actionable and tested organization tips here on the blog!